Signaling of IDC Problems

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides methods, devices, and systems for signaling of In-Device Coexistence (IDC) problems in uplink (UL) Carrier Aggregation (CA). Embodiments of a method in a User Equipment (UE) in communication with an Evolved Node B (eNB) are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method in the UE comprises sending an IDC indication to the eNB including information of problematic UL CA combinations. In this manner, the eNB is provided an indication from which the eNB can deduce which frequencies need to be avoided for UL CA.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/122,342 filed 29 Aug. 2016, which is a U.S. National PhaseApplication of PCT/SE2016/050679 filed 1 Jul. 2016, which claims benefitof Provisional Application No. 62/205,462 filed 14 Aug. 2015. The entirecontents of each aforementioned application is incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to uplink (UL) Carrier Aggregation (CA)and, in particular, to signaling of problematic UL CA combinations(e.g., UL CA combinations experiencing or expected to experienceIn-Device Coexistence (IDC) problems).

BACKGROUND

In-Device Coexistence (IDC)

More mobile devices, smartphones, etc. are, and will be, equipped withmultiple radio transceivers in order to access various networks. Forexample, a User Equipment (UE) may be equipped with a Third GenerationPartnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) transceiver, anIEEE 802.11 (i.e., WiFi) transceiver, a Bluetooth transceiver, and aGlobal Navigation Satellites System (GNSS) receiver. The radiotransceivers within the same UE are spatially close to one another(i.e., are co-located). As such, when the radio transceivers within thesame UE operate on adjacent frequencies or sub-harmonic frequencies,transmissions associated with the transmitter of one radio transceivermay interfere with the receiver of another radio transceiver. Thisinterference situation is referred to as an IDC interference scenario,or IDC interference situation.

One approach to address this IDC interference problem, or IDCinterference situation, is to minimize IDC interference betweenco-located radio transceivers by filtering. However, this may betechnically challenging and expensive such that alternative solutionsare needed. Another approach is to essentially move the interferingsignal or signals either in the frequency domain or in the time domainso that interference is reduced between the radio transceivers.

In 3GPP LTE Release (Rel) 11, signaling mechanisms for IDC interferenceavoidance were standardized. In support of IDC interference avoidance,signaling between a UE and the network, e.g., a base station such as anevolved Node B (eNB), was introduced. A UE that supports IDCfunctionality indicates this capability to the network, and the networkcan then configure, by dedicated signaling, whether the UE is allowed tosend an IDC indication.

In 3GPP LTE Rel-11, the UE may only send an IDC indication for EvolvedUniversal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) uplink/downlink (UL/DL)carriers for which a Measurement Object (MO) is configured. When a UEexperiences a level of IDC interference that cannot be solved by the UEitself and network intervention is required, the UE sends an IDCindication to the network via dedicated Radio Resource Control (RRC)signaling to report the IDC interference problem to the network, i.e.the IDC indication is an indication to the network that the UE isexperiencing a level of IDC interference that cannot be solved by theUE. The IDC indication is preferably triggered based on actual ongoingIDC interference on the serving and/or non-serving frequencies ratherthan on assumptions or predictions of potential interference. Whennotified of an IDC problem via an IDC indication received from the UE,the eNB may apply, for example, a Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM)solution or a Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) solution in order tomitigate or avoid the IDC interference.

An example of an FDM solution is moving an LTE signal further away fromthe industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) band by performinginter-frequency handover within Evolved Universal Terrestrial RadioAccess Network (E-UTRAN), or an inter-RAT handover to Wideband CodeDivision Multiple Access (WCDMA) or other similar technologies. Anexample of a TDM solution is to ensure that transmission of a radiosignal does not coincide with reception of another radio signal duringthe same time slot or period. The LTE Discontinuous Reception (DRX)mechanism may be used to provide TDM patterns (i.e., periods duringwhich the UE's LTE transceiver may be scheduled or not scheduled) toresolve IDC issues. A DRX-based TDM solution is preferably used in apredictable way, e.g., the eNB ensures a predictable pattern ofunscheduled periods using a DRX type mechanism.

To assist the eNB in selecting an appropriate solution. IDC assistanceinformation for both FDM and TDM solutions may be sent by the UEtogether with the IDC indication to the eNB. The IDC assistanceinformation comprises, for example, a list of E-UTRA carriers sufferingfrom ongoing interference, the direction of the interference, TDMpatterns or parameters to enable appropriate DRX configuration for TDMsolutions on the serving E-UTRA carrier, and/or an indication ifinterference is over. In case of an inter-eNB handover, the IDCassistance information is preferably transferred from the source eNB tothe target eNB.

A prohibit mechanism, such as an IDC indication prohibit timer, may beused to restrict the time interval at which the UE sends an IDCindication in order to avoid unnecessary IDC indication signaling. Forexample, a prohibit timer can prohibit the UE from sending another IDCindication message soon after it previously sent an earlier IDCindication message.

Carrier Aggregation (CA)

The LTE Rel-10 standard supports bandwidths larger than 20 Megahertz(MHz). One important requirement on LTE Rel-10 is to assure backwardcompatibility with LTE Rel-8. This should also include spectrumcompatibility. That would imply that an LTE Rel-10 carrier that is widerthan 20 MHz should appear as a number of LTE carriers to an LTE Rel-8terminal/UE. Each such carrier can be referred to as a Component Carrier(CC). In particular, for early LTE Rel-10 deployments, it can beexpected that there will be a smaller number of LTE Rel-10-capable UEscompared to many LTE legacy UEs. Therefore, it is necessary to assure anefficient use of a wide carrier also for legacy UEs, i.e. that it ispossible to implement carriers where legacy UEs can be scheduled in allparts of the wideband LTE Rel-10 carrier. One way to obtain this wouldbe by means of CA. CA implies that an LTE Rel-10 UE can receive multipleCCs, where the CCs have, or at least possibly have, the same structureas a Rel-8 carrier. CA is illustrated in FIG. 1. A CA-capable UE isassigned a primary cell (PCell) which is always activated, and one ormore secondary cells (SCells) which may be activated or deactivateddynamically.

The number of aggregated CCs as well as the bandwidth of the individualCC may be different for uplink and downlink. A symmetric configurationrefers to the case where the number of CCs in downlink and uplink is thesame, whereas an asymmetric configuration refers to the case where thenumber of CCs in the downlink is different than the number of CCs in theuplink. It is important to note that the number of CCs configured in acell may be different from the number of CCs seen by a UE. A UE may, forexample, support more downlink CCs than uplink CCs, even though the cellis configured with the same number of uplink and downlink CCs.

In addition, a key feature of CA is the ability to perform cross-carrierscheduling. This mechanism allows an (enhanced or evolved) PhysicalDownlink Control Channel ((E)PDCCH) on one CC to schedule datatransmissions on another CC by means of a 3-bit Carrier Indicator Field(CIF) inserted at the beginning of the (E)PDCCH messages. For datatransmissions (i.e., Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH)transmissions) on a given CC, a UE expects to receive schedulingmessages on the (E)PDCCH on just one CC—either the same CC, or adifferent CC via cross-carrier scheduling. This mapping from (E)PDCCH toPDSCH is also configured semi-statically.

The UE signals an indication of whether it supports CA in its capabilitysignaling. A band combination is signaled to indicate a combination ofbands that is supported by the UE. A band combination includesinformation for each band entry of both DL and UL carriers and supportedMultiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) and Channel State Information(CSI) capabilities. For intra-band non-contiguous CA, there can bemultiple band entries for each band in the band combination.

UL CA has been standardized in Rel-10, and Radio Access Network WorkingGroup 4 (RAN4) requirements for UL CA have been completed. Before that,CA was mainly concerned with aggregation of DL carriers. For UL CA, somenew problems have arisen which have not been addressed or discussed withrespect to Rel-11 IDC.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides methods, devices, and systems forsignaling of In-Device Coexistence (IDC) problems in uplink (UL) CarrierAggregation (CA). Embodiments of a method in a User Equipment (UE) incommunication with an evolved Node B (eNB) are disclosed. In someembodiments, the method in the UE comprises sending an IDC indication tothe eNB including information of problematic UL CA combinations. In thismanner, the eNB is provided an indication from which the eNB can deducewhich frequencies need to be avoided for UL CA.

In some embodiments, the UE only indicates a UL CA combination asproblematic if the UL CA combination is a combination of uplink carrierssupported by the UE, measurement objects are configured for allcorresponding downlink carriers, and the UE experiences or expects toexperience IDC problems due to the UL CA combination. Further, in someembodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is a UL CA combinationfor which the UE experiences IDC problems.

In some embodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is identified bya set of measurement object identities for all of the correspondingdownlink carriers for the UL CA combination.

In some embodiments, the IDC indication comprises, for each problematicUL CA combination, a set of measurement object identities for all of thecorresponding downlink carriers for the problematic UL CA combination.

Embodiments of a method in an eNB in communication with a UE are alsodisclosed. In some embodiments, the method in the eNB comprisesreceiving an IDC indication from the UE including information ofproblematic UL CA combinations. In some embodiments, the eNB deducesfrequencies to avoid UL CA from the received information of problematicUL CA combinations.

In some embodiments, the UE only indicates a UL CA combination asproblematic if the UL CA combination is a combination of uplink carrierssupported by the UE, measurement objects are configured for allcorresponding downlink carriers, and the UE experiences or expects toexperience IDC problems due to the UL CA combination. Further, in someembodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is a UL CA combinationfor which the UE experiences IDC problems.

In some embodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is identified bya set of measurement object identities for all of the correspondingdownlink carriers for the UL CA combination.

In some embodiments, the IDC indication comprises, for each problematicUL CA combination, a set of measurement object identities for all of thecorresponding downlink carriers for the problematic UL CA combination.

Embodiments of a UE for communication with an eNB are also disclosed. Insome embodiments, the UE is adapted to send an IDC indication to the eNBincluding information of problematic UL CA combinations.

In some embodiments, the UE only indicates a UL CA combination asproblematic if the UL CA combination is a combination of uplink carrierssupported by the UE, measurement objects are configured for allcorresponding downlink carriers, and the UE experiences or expects toexperience IDC problems due to the UL CA combination.

In some embodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is a UL CAcombination for which the UE experiences IDC problems.

In some embodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is identified bya set of measurement object identities for all of the correspondingdownlink carriers for the UL CA combination.

In some embodiments, the IDC indication comprises, for each problematicUL CA combination, a set of measurement object identities for all of thecorresponding downlink carriers for the problematic UL CA combination.

Embodiments of an eNB for communication with a UE are also disclosed. Insome embodiments, the eNB is adapted to receive an IDC indication fromthe UE including information of problematic UL CA combinations. In someembodiments, the eNB is adapted to deduce frequencies to avoid foruplink carrier aggregation from the received information of problematicUL CA combinations.

In some embodiments, the UE only indicates a UL CA combination asproblematic if the UL CA combination is a combination of uplink carrierssupported by the UE, measurement objects are configured for allcorresponding downlink carriers, and the UE experiences or expects toexperience IDC problems due to the UL CA combination. Further, in someembodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is a UL CA combinationfor which the UE experiences IDC problems.

In some embodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is identified bya set of measurement object identities for all of the correspondingdownlink carriers for the UL CA combination.

In some embodiments, the IDC indication comprises, for each problematicUL CA combination, a set of measurement object identities for all of thecorresponding downlink carriers for the problematic UL CA combination.

In some embodiments, a UE for communication with an eNB comprises atleast one transceiver, at least one processor, and memory storinginstructions executable by the at least one processor whereby the UE isoperable to send, via the at least one transceiver, an IDC indication tothe eNB including information of problematic UL CA combinations.

In some embodiments, the UE only indicates a UL CA combination asproblematic if the UL CA combination is a combination of uplink carrierssupported by the UE, measurement objects are configured for allcorresponding downlink carriers, and the UE experiences or expects toexperience IDC problems due to the UL CA combination. Further, in someembodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is a UL CA combinationfor which the UE experiences IDC problems.

In some embodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is identified bya set of measurement object identities for all of the correspondingdownlink carriers for the UL CA combination.

In some embodiments, the IDC indication comprises, for each problematicUL CA combination, a set of measurement object identities for all of thecorresponding downlink carriers for the problematic UL CA combination.

In some embodiments, an eNB for communication with a UE comprises atleast one communication interface, at least one processor, and memorystoring instructions executable by the at least one processor wherebythe eNB is operable to receive, via the at least one communicationinterface, an IDC indication from the UE including information ofproblematic UL CA combinations. In some embodiments, the eNB is adaptedto deduce frequencies to avoid UL CA from the received information ofproblematic UL CA combinations.

In some embodiments, the UE only indicates a UL CA combination asproblematic if the UL CA combination is a combination of uplink carrierssupported by the UE, measurement objects are configured for allcorresponding downlink carriers, and the UE experiences or expects toexperience IDC problems due to the UL CA combination. In someembodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is a UL CA combinationfor which the UE experiences IDC problems.

In some embodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is identified bya set of measurement object identities for all of the correspondingdownlink carriers for the UL CA combination.

In some embodiments, the IDC indication comprises, for each problematicUL CA combination, a set of measurement object identities for all of thecorresponding downlink carriers for the problematic UL CA combination.

In some embodiments, a UE for communication with an eNB comprises aproblematic combinations module operable to send an IDC indication tothe eNB including information of problematic UL CA combinations.

In some embodiments, the UE only indicates a UL CA combination asproblematic if the UL CA combination is a combination of uplink carrierssupported by the UE, measurement objects are configured for allcorresponding downlink carriers, and the UE experiences or expects toexperience IDC problems due to the UL CA combination. In someembodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is a UL CA combinationfor which the UE experiences IDC problems.

In some embodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is identified bya set of measurement object identities for all of the correspondingdownlink carriers for the UL CA combination.

In some embodiments, the IDC indication comprises, for each problematicUL CA combination, a set of measurement object identities for all of thecorresponding downlink carriers for the problematic UL CA combination.

In some embodiments, an eNB for communication with a UE comprises areceive module operable to receive an IDC indication from the UEincluding information of problematic UL CA combinations. In someembodiments, the eNB further comprises a deduce module operable todeduce frequencies to avoid for UL CA from the received information ofproblematic UL CA combinations.

In some embodiments, the UE only indicates a UL CA combination asproblematic if the UL CA combination is a combination of uplink carrierssupported by the UE, measurement objects are configured for allcorresponding downlink carriers, and the UE experiences or expects toexperience IDC problems due to the UL CA combination. In someembodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is a UL CA combinationfor which the UE experiences IDC problems.

In some embodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is identified bya set of measurement object identities for all of the correspondingdownlink carriers for the UL CA combination.

In some embodiments, the IDC indication comprises, for each problematicUL CA combination, a set of measurement object identities for all of thecorresponding downlink carriers for the problematic UL CA combination.

Further embodiments include a user equipment comprising one or moretransceivers, at least one processor, and memory storing instructionsexecutable by the at least one processor whereby the UE is operable tosend at least one indicator of at least one problematic uplink carrieraggregation frequency band combination to a network node.

In some embodiments, the user equipment is further operable to sendcompatibility information to a network node, the compatibilityinformation indicating a plurality of uplink carrier aggregationfrequency band combinations supported by the user equipment, whereinsending the at least one indicator comprises sending a bit map for theplurality of supported band combinations that indicates, for eachcombination, whether the combination is problematic.

In some embodiments, the user equipment is further operable to sendcompatibility information to a network node, the compatibilityinformation indicating a plurality of uplink carrier aggregationfrequency band combinations supported by the user equipment, whereinsending the at least one indicator comprises sending a list of indexescomprising problematic UL CA frequency band combinations.

In some embodiments, the user equipment is further operable to receive aconfiguration from a network node to measure on a plurality of frequencybands, wherein the at least one problematic uplink carrier aggregationfrequency band combination is at least one combination of the pluralityof frequency bands that the user equipment is configured to measure onand that the UE has determined is problematic.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the scope of the presentdisclosure and realize additional aspects thereof after reading thefollowing detailed description of the embodiments in association withthe accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawing figures incorporated in and forming a part ofthis specification illustrate several aspects of the disclosure, andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles of thedisclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates aggregated bandwidth of 100 megahertz (MHz) inCarrier Aggregation (CA);

FIG. 2 shows an ASN.1 example of a first embodiment of the presentdisclosure for a bit map indicating problematic band combinations;

FIG. 3 shows an ASN.1 example of a second embodiment of the presentdisclosure for a list of indexes to problematic band combinations;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cellular communications network according to someembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 5-9 illustrate operation of wireless devices/user equipments andnetwork nodes according to different embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are block diagrams that illustrate a wireless deviceaccording to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 12 and 13 are block diagrams that illustrate a network nodeaccording to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments set forth below represent information to enable thoseskilled in the art to practice the embodiments and illustrate the bestmode of practicing the embodiments. Upon reading the followingdescription in light of the accompanying drawing figures, those skilledin the art will understand the concepts of the disclosure and willrecognize applications of these concepts not particularly addressedherein. It should be understood that these concepts and applicationsfall within the scope of the disclosure and the accompanying claims.

Many mobile devices (e.g., smartphones, etc.) are or will be equippedwith multiple radio transceivers in order to access various networks.For example, a UE may be equipped with a 3GPP LTE transceiver, an IEEE802.11 (i.e., WiFi) transceiver, a Bluetooth transceiver, and a GlobalNavigation Satellites System (GNSS) receiver. The radio transceiverswithin the same UE are spatially close to one another (i.e., areco-located). As such, when the radio transceivers within the same UEoperate on adjacent frequencies or sub-harmonic frequencies,transmissions associated with the transmitter of one radio transceivermay interfere with the receiver of another radio transceiver. Thisinterference situation is referred to as an In-Device Coexistence (IDC)interference scenario, or IDC interference situation.

Recently, a problem has been identified where two or more simultaneousuplink (UL) inter-band transmissions, such as those transmitted by a UEoperating according to a UL CA scheme, cause Inter-Modulation (IM)products that result in potential interference to a co-located GNSSreceiver. Almost half of the two UL Component Carrier (CC) (2UL)inter-band Carrier Aggregation (CA) configurations that are currentlybeing specified for 3GPP LTE generate IM products of up to 5th orderthat fall onto GNSS receive bands, thus causing an IDC problem. Even theimpact of 5th order IM due to 2UL inter-band CA on a GNSS receiver isnon-negligible. In addition, it has been identified that other systems(Bluetooth. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), etc.) may suffer from IMproducts from UL CA.

An IDC mechanism (i.e., a mechanism that avoids IDC interference) wasintroduced in 3GPP LTE Release (Rel) 11). This IDC mechanism addressedproblem scenarios in which the UE suffers from interference between theLTE and Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM)/GNSS signals. Both thecase in which LTE is the victim and the case in which LTE is theaggressor were considered. However, UL CA problems were not consideredfor the 3GPP LTE Rel-11 IDC avoidance mechanism.

In the 3GPP LTE Rel-11 IDC mechanism, the UE indicates a problematic LTEfrequency (as it indicates a Measurement Object (MO)) and then the UEindicates if this LTE frequency is a victim or aggressor with parameterinterferenceDirection. In 3GPP LTE Rel-11, a problematic LTEfrequency/carrier is one on which the UE is experiencing an IDC problem(i.e., IDC interference is at a level that cannot be solved by the UEitself). If the direction is “eutra,” then the eNB can avoid problematictransmissions on the LTE downlink; and, if the direction is “other,”then the eNB can avoid problematic transmissions on the LTE UL. If thedirection is “both,” then both UL and DL transmissions/receptions needto be taken into account.

When using the signaling for the current IDC mechanism specified in 3GPPLTE Rel-11, the network cannot deduce that an IM product of a CAcombination of multiple frequencies is a problem as the signaling forthe current IDC mechanism lists only single frequencies. Instead, theeNB may deduce incorrectly that the carriers cannot be used even asPrimary Cells (PCells). Thus, some additional information is needed.

One option for addressing this problem is that information of which ULCA combinations are problematic is included in the IDC indication. Inthis way, the eNB (i.e., the network) can directly deduce which LTEfrequencies need to be avoided for UL CA.

A second option to address this problem is to include GNSS type of theGNSS receiver implemented at the UE. From this information, the eNB canderive which UL CA combinations are problematic. However, there are twoproblems with this approach, namely: 1) this approach is not applicableto the Bluetooth and WLAN (e.g., WiFi) case and 2) depending on UEimplementation, the interference problems due to different modulationorders may vary.

A third option to address this problem is for the UE to signal victimfrequency (ISM or GNSS frequency) and bandwidth together with the victimtechnology to the eNB. However, this approach has similar problems asthe current IDC mechanism; namely, for the eNB, it would still bedifficult to determine which LTE frequencies/carriers to limit.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a mechanism for how a UEcan indicate problematic UL carrier frequencies in such a way thatsignaling load remains limited. Based on this indication, the eNB canreduce UL transmissions on the LTE carrier frequencies and thus avoidinterference.

In some embodiments, a solution to solve the IDC problem in case of ULCA is to signal problematic UL CA combinations on the LTE side. Thiswould be sufficient information for the eNB to solve the problem.

IDC Signaling Utilizing UE Capability Signaling

In principle, the UE could signal all possible UL CA combinations thatare problematic in the IDC indication. Signaling would include frequencyinformation (e.g., center frequency and bandwidth) for each carrier tobe a candidate for aggregation in a carrier combination. However, asthere are many combinations, the signaling overhead would be quitelarge.

Embodiments disclosed herein utilize a UE's capability signaling wherefrequency information is already given. In some embodiments, the UEsignals an index referring to a band combination entry in the UEcapability signaling to indicate which UL CA combinations suffer fromIDC interference. UE capability signaling may include a list of all bandcombinations over which the UE supports CA. Each band entry includesinformation of the band frequency, bandwidth, class, etc.

In LTE Rel-10, there are 128 potential combinations (maxBandComb-r10)and in Rel-11 there are 256 potential combinations (maxBandComb-r11).

In a first embodiment, the signaling includes a bit map indicating ifthe corresponding band combination is problematic. Here, the bit is “1”if the corresponding band combination in the capability list issuffering from IDC interference and otherwise “0.” The length of the bitmap corresponds to the number of band combinations in the capabilitysignaling. FIG. 2 shows an ASN.1 example of the first embodiment.

In a second embodiment, the UE can indicate the list of indexes to theproblematic band combinations. As such, the UE would signal, e.g., thatthe 5th band combination in the band combination list in the UEcapability signaling is suffering from an IDC problem. FIG. 3 shows anASN.1 example of the second embodiment.

The first embodiment is good if most of the band combinations sufferfrom interference. The second embodiment is better if only fewcombinations suffer from interference.

IDC Signaling Utilizing Measurement Object Identities (IDs)

In LTE Rel-11, the UE was only allowed to report IDC issues occurring orexpected to occur on/by a carrier for which a measurement object isconfigured (from 3GPP TS 36.331 (version 11.1.0, September 2012),section 5.6.9.3: “include the IE affectedCarrierFreqList with an entryfor each affected E-UTRA carrier frequency for which a measurementobject is configured”). This was based on the assumption that thenetwork would typically configure a RRM measurement on a carrier beforeconfiguring it as serving cell. As soon as the measurement object isconfigured the UE should report (expected) IDC problems.

Following the same principle, the UE would only indicate IDC problemsfor a supported combination of UL carriers if measurement objects areconfigured for all corresponding DL carriers of that combination.

a) measurement objects are configured for all the (corresponding DL)carriers; andb) the UE supports UL CA among those carriers; andc) the UE experiences or expects to experience IDC problems due to thatcarrier combination.

In this embodiment, a carrier combination is identified by a set of thecorresponding MeasObjectId's (i.e., Measurement Object IDs). AssumingLTE Rel-10 CA as baseline up to 5 CCs, for each combination, there canbe up to 5 measurementObjects indicated. For LTE Rel-13, there can bemore objects in the combination.

Here is an example of this solution:

UE supports bands 1, 2, 3, 4. Each of the bands has two possiblecarriers, called a and b. UE supports UL CA of 1+2 and 1+3Step 1: The UE has its PCell on carrier a of band 1 (called 1a). It hasa measObject (ID=0) for 1a but no IDC issues.=> No IDC reportStep 2: The eNB configures a measObject (ID=1) for carrier 3b. The UEhas no UL or DL IDC problems=> No IDC reportStep 3: The eNB configures a measObject (ID=2) for carrier 2a. The UEhas no immediate IDC problems but knows that it would have problems ifthe eNB decides to configure UL CA between carrier 1a and 2a.=> The UE sends an IDC indication “idcCombinations=[[0,2]]” (list withonly one combination which comprises two carriers)=> The eNB knows that the carriers corresponding to measurement objectIDs 0 and 2 (carrier 1a and 2a) would cause an UL IDC issue.Step 4: The UE no longer needs WLAN and hence the UL combination of 1aand 2a would no longer cause problemsStep 5: The UE sends an IDC indication “idcCombinations=[ ]”=> The eNB configures UL CA.

Combination of Different Solutions

In the combined embodiment solution, the UE signals the index related tothe band combination in the UE's capability signaling to indicate theproblematic CA configuration as discussed above and presented below withrespect to in FIG. 5. However, in some embodiments, the UE is allowed tosignal such index only if the measurements (that is, measurementobjects) are configured for the corresponding carriers.

In addition, in some embodiments, the eNB may configure which solutionto use with the Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling. If the eNBtypically configures measurements before configuring CA, then thesolution as described above in the section “IDC Signaling UtilizingMeasurement Object IDs” and presented below with respect to FIGS. 6 and7 can be configured. On the other hand, if the eNB is interested in IDCproblems even when measurements are not configured, then it configuresthe mechanism as described above with respect to the first and secondembodiments, as described above in the section “IDC Signaling UtilizingUE Capability Signaling” and presented below with respect to FIG. 5.

Example System Architecture and Operation Thereof According toEmbodiments Above

FIG. 4 illustrates a cellular communications network 10 according tosome embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, thecellular communications network 10 is a LTE (i.e., LTE or LTE-Advanced)cellular communications network. As such, LTE terminology is oftentimesused throughout this disclosure. However, the concepts and embodimentsdisclosed herein are not limited to LTE and may be utilized in anysuitable type of cellular or wireless network.

As illustrated, the cellular communications network 10 includes a RadioAccess Network (RAN) 12 including a number of base stations 14-1 and14-2 (generally referred to herein collectively as base stations 14 andindividually as base station 14). The base stations 14 provide wirelessaccess to wireless devices 16-1 through 16-3 (generally referred toherein collectively as wireless devices 16 and individually as wirelessdevice 16) within coverage areas (e.g., cells) of the base stations 14.The base stations 14 are connected to a core network 18. Note that whileonly two base stations 14 and three wireless devices 16 are illustratedin this example for clarity and ease of discussion, the cellularcommunications network 10 may include many base stations 14 serving manywireless devices 16. In LTE terminology, the wireless devices 16 arereferred to as UEs and, as such, the wireless devices 16 are sometimesreferred to herein as UEs 16. Likewise, in LTE terminology, the basestations 14 are referred to as Evolved. or Enhanced, Node Bs (eNBs) and,as such, the base stations 14 are sometimes referred to herein as eNBs14. While in this embodiment the base stations 14 are macro basestations, the RAN 12 may include a mixture of macro base stations andlower power base stations (i.e., pico base stations, femto basestations, home eNBs, etc.). Some of the wireless devices 16 may be MTCdevices that perform Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication. Someexamples of MTC devices are smart meters, signboards, cameras, remotesensors, laptops, and appliances. In this example, the wireless device16-2 is a MTC device.

FIGS. 5 through 8 are illustrations of at least some of the embodimentsdescribed above. FIG. 5 illustrates IDC signaling utilizing UEcapability signaling including the first and second embodiments detailedabove in the section “IDC Signaling Utilizing UE Capability Signaling.”Notably, the network node that receives the capability information maybe the same or different than the network node that receives anindicator of the problematic UL CA frequency band combinations.

The process of FIG. 5 will now be described with respect to the UE 16and a network node(s) 20. The network node(s) 20 may be, for example,the base station 14 (e.g., an eNB), multiple base stations 14 (e.g.,multiple eNBs), or some other network node(s). As illustrated, the UE 16sends capability information to the network node(s) 20 (step 100). Asdescribed above, in some embodiments, the capability informationincludes a list of all band combinations over which the wireless device16 supports CA. In other words, the capability information includes alist of all UL CA combinations (i.e., a list of all UL CA combinations)supported by the UE 16.

The UE 16 determines one or more problematic UL CA frequency bandcombinations (step 102). The one or more problematic UL CA frequencyband combinations are one or more UL CA frequency band combinations forwhich the UE 16 is experiencing IDC problems or, in some embodiments, isexpected to experience IDC problems. An IDC problem occurs when thelevel of IDC interference is at a level that cannot be resolved by theUE 16 itself.

The UE 16 sends at least one indicator of the one or more problematic ULCA frequency band combinations to the network node(s) 20 (step 104). Asdiscussed above, in some embodiments, the at least one indicator is abit map that includes a separate bit for each combination indicated inthe capability information sent to the network node(s) 20 in step 100.The value of a particular bit indicates whether or not there is an IDCproblem for the corresponding combination (e.g., “1” indicates an IDCproblem and “0” indicates no IDC problem). As also described above, insome other embodiments, the at least one indicator is at least oneindex, where an index identifies a corresponding entry in the list ofcombinations supported by the UE 16 provided to the network node(s) 20in step 100. Note that the network node 20 to which the at least oneindicator is sent may or may not be the same as the network node 20 towhich the capability information is sent in step 100. Optionally, thenetwork node(s) 20 take one or more actions based on the receivedindicator(s) (step 106). The one or more actions may be, for example,one or more actions to avoid the IDC problem(s).

FIG. 6 illustrates IDC signaling utilizing measurementObjectsIDsincluding the third embodiment detailed above in the section “IDCSignaling Utilizing Measurement Object IDs.” Notably, the network node20 that sends the configuration to measure on a plurality of frequencybands may be the same or different than the network node 20 thatreceives an indicator of the problematic UL CA frequency bandcombinations. Further, the measurement configuration illustrated in FIG.6 may be via, for example, one or more measurement objects.

The process of FIG. 6 will now be described with respect to the UE 16and a network node(s) 20. The network node(s) 20 may be, for example,the base station 14 (e.g., an eNB), multiple base stations 14 (e.g.,multiple eNBs), or some other network node(s). As illustrated, thenetwork node(s) 20 configure the UE 16 to measure on a plurality of(i.e., multiple) frequency bands (step 200). As discussed above, in someembodiments, the network node(s) 20 configure the UE 16 with MeasurementObjects for carriers on which the UE 16 is to perform measurements. TheMeasurement Objects have corresponding Measurement Object IDs.

The UE 16 determines one or more problematic UL CA frequency bandcombinations from the frequency bands on which the UE 16 is configuredto perform measurements (step 202). More specifically, as discussedabove, the UE 16 determines that a particular UL CA frequency bandcombination is problematic if: (a) Measurement Objects are configuredfor all of the (corresponding DL) carriers, (b) the UE 16 supports UL CAamong those carriers, and (c) the UE 16 experiences or expects toexperience IDC problems due to that carrier combination.

The UE 16 sends at least one indicator of the one or more problematic ULCA frequency band combinations to the network node(s) 20 (step 204). Asdiscussed above, in some embodiments, for each problematic UL CAfrequency band combination, the at least one indicator includes theMeasurement Object IDs of the Measurement Objects configured for the UE16 for the corresponding (DL) carriers. Note that the network node 20 towhich the at least one indicator is sent may or may not be the same asthe network node 20 from which the configuration was received by the UE16 in step 200. Optionally, the network node(s) 20 take one or moreactions based on the received indicator(s) (step 206). The one or moreactions may be, for example, one or more actions to avoid the IDCproblem(s).

FIG. 7 illustrates one particular example of the embodiment of FIG. 6.In this example, FIG. 7 illustrates that the configuration is aconfiguration of Measurement Objects and that the IDC indicationincludes Measurement Object IDs, as described above. Otherwise, theprocess is the same as described above with respect to FIG. 6. Notably,the process of FIG. 7 is illustrated with respect to a UE 16 and aneNB(s) 14; however, the process is more generally applicable to awireless device 16 and a network node(s) 20. As illustrated, the eNB(s)14 configure the UE 16 with Measurement Objects for multiple downlinkcarriers (step 300). The UE 16 determines one or more problematic UL CAfrequency band combinations (step 302). More specifically, as discussedabove, the UE 16 determines that a particular UL CA frequency bandcombination is problematic if: (a) Measurement Objects are configuredfor all of the (corresponding DL) carriers, (b) the UE 16 supports UL CAamong those carriers, and (c) the UE 16 experiences or expects toexperience IDC problems due to that carrier combination.

The UE 16 sends an IDC indication including information of problematicUL CA combinations to the eNB(s) 14 (step 304). In general, the IDCindication includes Measurement Object IDs indicating the one or moreproblematic UL CA combinations to the eNB(s) 14. More specifically, asdescribed above, for each problematic UL CA combination, the IDCindication includes a set of Measurement Object IDs for allcorresponding DL carriers for the problematic UL CA combination. Notethat the eNB 14 to which the at least one indicator is sent may or maynot be the same as the eNB 14 from which the configuration was receivedby the UE 16 in step 300. Optionally, the eNB(s) 14 take one or moreactions based on the received indicator(s) (step 306). The one or moreactions may be, for example, one or more actions to avoid the IDCproblem(s).

FIG. 8 illustrates IDC signaling according to embodiments detailed abovein the section “Combination of Different Solutions.” Notably, theprocess of FIG. 8 is illustrated with respect to a UE 16 and an eNB(s)14; however, the process is more generally applicable to a wirelessdevice 16 and a network node(s) 20 (e.g., the base station 14 (e.g., aneNB), multiple base stations 14 (e.g., multiple eNBs), or some othernetwork node(s)). As illustrated, the UE 16 sends capability informationto the eNB(s) 14 (step 400). As described above, in some embodiments,the capability information includes a list of all band combinations overwhich the UE 16 supports CA. In other words, the capability informationincludes a list of all UL CA combinations (i.e., a list of all UL CAcombinations) supported by the UE 16. In addition, the eNB(s) 14configures the UE 16 to measure on a plurality of (i.e., multiple)frequency bands (step 402). As discussed above, in some embodiments, theeNB(s) 14 configures the UE 16 with Measurement Objects for carriers onwhich the UE 16 is to perform measurements. The Measurement Objects havecorresponding Measurement Object IDs.

The UE 16 determines one or more problematic UL CA frequency bandcombinations from the frequency bands on which the UE 16 is configuredto perform measurements (step 404). More specifically, as discussedabove, the UE 16 determines that a particular UL CA frequency bandcombination is problematic if: (a) Measurement Objects are configuredfor all of the (corresponding DL) carriers, (b) the UE 16 supports UL CAamong those carriers, and (c) the UE 16 experiences or expects toexperience IDC problems due to that carrier combination.

The UE 16 sends at least one indicator of the one or more problematic ULCA frequency band combinations to the eNB(s) 14 (step 406). As discussedabove, in some embodiments, the at least one indicator is a bit map thatincludes a separate bit for each combination indicated in the capabilityinformation sent to the eNB(s) 14 in step 400. The value of a particularbit indicates whether or not there is an IDC problem for thecorresponding combination (e.g., “1” indicates an IDC problem and “0”indicates no IDC problem). As also described above, in some otherembodiments, the at least one indicator is at least one index, where anindex identifies a corresponding entry in the list of combinationssupported by the UE 16 provided to the eNB(s) 14 in step 400. Note thatthe eNB 14 to which the at least one indicator is sent may or may not bethe same as the eNB 14 to which the capability information is sent instep 400. Optionally, the eNB(s) 14 take one or more actions based onthe received indicator(s) (step 408). The one or more actions may be,for example, one or more actions to avoid the IDC problem(s).

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment detailed above in the section“Combination of Different Solutions” in which an eNB 14 configures theUE 16 with the solution, or technique, to use for IDC signaling.Notably, the process of FIG. 9 is illustrated with respect to a UE 16and an eNB(s) 14; however, the process is more generally applicable to awireless device 16 and a network node(s) 20 (e.g., the base station 14(e.g., an eNB), multiple base stations 14 (e.g., multiple eNBs), or someother network node(s)). As illustrated, the eNB 14 sends a solutionindication to the UE 16 (step 500). As described above, the solutionindication may be sent via RRC signaling (i.e., which solution to usemay be configured via RRC signaling). For example, if measurements areconfigured before configuring CA, then the eNB 14 may configure the UE16 to use the solution described above with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7. Onthe other hand, if the network is interested in IDC problems even ifmeasurements are not configured, then the eNB 14 may configure the UE 16to use the solution described above with respect to FIG. 5. The UE 16then uses the indicated solution to perform IDC signaling (step 502).

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a wireless device 16 according to someembodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the wirelessdevice 16 includes circuitry that operates to cause the wireless device16 to implement the methods and functionality described herein. In oneexample, the circuitry can be in the form of processing means, which mayinclude one or more processors 22 (e.g., one or more Central ProcessingUnits (CPUs), one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits(ASICs), and/or one or more Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs)) andmemory 24 containing instructions executable by the one or moreprocessors 22 whereby the wireless device 16 operates according to anyof the embodiments described herein. The wireless device 16 alsoincludes multiple radio transceivers 26 (e.g., LTE, WiFi, Bluetooth,GNSS, etc.) and at least one antenna 32 for each transceiver 26. Eachtransceiver 26 includes one or more transmitters 28 and/or one or morereceivers 30. The transceiver 26 includes various types of circuitrysuch as, for example, filters, mixers, amplifiers, etc.

In some embodiments, a computer program is provided includinginstructions which, when executed by the at least one processor 22,cause the at least one processor 22 to carry out the functionality ofthe wireless device 16 according to any one of the embodiments describedherein is provided. In some embodiments, a carrier containing theaforementioned computer program product. The carrier is one of anelectronic signal, an optical signal, a radio signal, or a computerreadable storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable mediumsuch as the memory 24).

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a wireless device 16 according to someembodiments of the present disclosure. The wireless device 16 includes aproblematic combinations module 34, which is implemented in softwarethat is stored in a computer readable medium (e.g., memory) and executedby a processor of the wireless device 16. The problematic combinationsmodule 34 is operative to send at least one indicator of at least oneproblematic uplink carrier aggregation frequency band combination to anetwork node.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a network node 20 according to someembodiments of the present disclosure. The network node 20 may be anytype of network node (e.g., a base station (e.g., an eNB), a MobilityManagement Entity (MME), a Serving Gateway (S-GW), a Packet Data Network(PDN) Gateway (P-GW), etc.). As illustrated, the network node 20includes circuitry that operates to cause the network node 20 toimplement the methods and functionality described herein. In oneexample, the network node 20 includes a baseband unit 36 that includescircuitry in the form of processing means which may include one or moreprocessors 38 (e.g., one or more CPUs, one or more ASICs, and/or one ormore FPGAs) and memory 40 containing instructions executable by the oneor more processors 38 whereby the network node 20 operates according toany of the embodiments described herein. As illustrated, the networknode 20 also includes a network interface 42, which allows the networknode 20 to communicate with one or more additional network nodes in awireless communications network. The network interface 42 may includeone or more components (e.g., network interface card(s)) that connectthe network node 20 to other systems.

If the network node 20 is a radio network node (e.g., a base station14), the network node 20 also includes one or more radio units 44,including one or more transmitters 46 and one or more receivers 48coupled to one or more antennas 50. In some embodiments, thefunctionality of the network node 20 is implemented in software storedin the memory 40 for execution by the one or more processors 48. In someembodiments, the network node 20 may include additional componentsresponsible for providing additional functionality, including any of thefunctionality identified above and/or any functionality necessary tosupport the solutions described above.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a network node 20 according to someembodiments of the present disclosure. The network node 20 includes atransmit module 52 and a receive module 54, each of which is implementedin software that is stored in a computer readable medium (e.g., memory)and executed by a processor of the network node 20. The transmit module52 is operative to provide a configuration to measure on a plurality offrequency bands. The receive module 54 is operative to receivecompatibility information sent to the network node 20, the compatibilityinformation indicating a plurality of uplink carrier aggregationfrequency band combinations supported by the user equipment, and receiveat least one indicator of at least one problematic uplink carrieraggregation frequency band combination. Notably, the transmit module 52and the receive module 54 may correspond to features of the same ordifferent network nodes.

Some exemplary, non-limiting examples of embodiments of the presentdisclosure are provided below.

Embodiments of a method in a User Equipment (UE) in communication withan evolved Node B (eNB) are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methodin the UE comprises sending an IDC indication to the eNB includinginformation of problematic UL CA combinations. In this manner, the eNBis provided an indication from which the eNB can deduce whichfrequencies need to be avoided for UL CA.

In some embodiments, the UE only indicates a UL CA combination asproblematic if the UL CA combination is a combination of uplink carrierssupported by the UE, measurement objects are configured for allcorresponding downlink carriers, and the UE experiences or expects toexperience IDC problems due to the UL CA combination. Further, in someembodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is a UL CA combinationfor which the UE experiences IDC problems.

In some embodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is identified bya set of measurement object identities for all of the correspondingdownlink carriers for the UL CA combination.

In some embodiments, the IDC indication comprises, for each problematicUL CA combination, a set of measurement object identities for all of thecorresponding downlink carriers for the problematic UL CA combination.

Embodiments of a method in an eNB in communication with a UE are alsodisclosed. In some embodiments, the method in the eNB comprisesreceiving an IDC indication from the UE including information ofproblematic UL CA combinations. In some embodiments, the eNB deducesfrequencies to avoid UL CA from the received information of problematicUL CA combinations.

In some embodiments, the UE only indicates a UL CA combination asproblematic if the UL CA combination is a combination of uplink carrierssupported by the UE, measurement objects are configured for allcorresponding downlink carriers, and the UE experiences or expects toexperience IDC problems due to the UL CA combination. Further, in someembodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is a UL CA combinationfor which the UE experiences IDC problems.

In some embodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is identified bya set of measurement object identities for all of the correspondingdownlink carriers for the UL CA combination.

In some embodiments, the IDC indication comprises, for each problematicUL CA combination, a set of measurement object identities for all of thecorresponding downlink carriers for the problematic UL CA combination.

Embodiments of a UE for communication with an eNB are also disclosed. Insome embodiments, the UE is adapted to send an IDC indication to the eNBincluding information of problematic UL CA combinations.

In some embodiments, the UE only indicates a UL CA combination asproblematic if the UL CA combination is a combination of uplink carrierssupported by the UE, measurement objects are configured for allcorresponding downlink carriers, and the UE experiences or expects toexperience IDC problems due to the UL CA combination.

In some embodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is a UL CAcombination for which the UE experiences IDC problems.

In some embodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is identified bya set of measurement object identities for all of the correspondingdownlink carriers for the UL CA combination.

In some embodiments, the IDC indication comprises, for each problematicUL CA combination, a set of measurement object identities for all of thecorresponding downlink carriers for the problematic UL CA combination.

Embodiments of an eNB for communication with a UE are also disclosed. Insome embodiments, the eNB is adapted to receive an IDC indication fromthe UE including information of problematic UL CA combinations. In someembodiments, the eNB is adapted to deduce frequencies to avoid foruplink carrier aggregation from the received information of problematicUL CA combinations.

In some embodiments, the UE only indicates a UL CA combination asproblematic if the UL CA combination is a combination of uplink carrierssupported by the UE, measurement objects are configured for allcorresponding downlink carriers, and the UE experiences or expects toexperience IDC problems due to the UL CA combination. Further, in someembodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is a UL CA combinationfor which the UE experiences IDC problems.

In some embodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is identified bya set of measurement object identities for all of the correspondingdownlink carriers for the UL CA combination.

In some embodiments, the IDC indication comprises, for each problematicUL CA combination, a set of measurement object identities for all of thecorresponding downlink carriers for the problematic UL CA combination.

In some embodiments, a UE for communication with an eNB comprises atleast one transceiver, at least one processor, and memory storinginstructions executable by the at least one processor whereby the UE isoperable to send, via the at least one transceiver, an IDC indication tothe eNB including information of problematic UL CA combinations.

In some embodiments, the UE only indicates a UL CA combination asproblematic if the UL CA combination is a combination of uplink carrierssupported by the UE, measurement objects are configured for allcorresponding downlink carriers, and the UE experiences or expects toexperience IDC problems due to the UL CA combination. Further, in someembodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is a UL CA combinationfor which the UE experiences IDC problems.

In some embodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is identified bya set of measurement object identities for all of the correspondingdownlink carriers for the UL CA combination.

In some embodiments, the IDC indication comprises, for each problematicUL CA combination, a set of measurement object identities for all of thecorresponding downlink carriers for the problematic UL CA combination.

In some embodiments, an eNB for communication with a UE comprises atleast one communication interface, at least one processor, and memorystoring instructions executable by the at least one processor wherebythe eNB is operable to receive, via the at least one communicationinterface, an IDC indication from the UE including information ofproblematic UL CA combinations. In some embodiments, the eNB is adaptedto deduce frequencies to avoid UL CA from the received information ofproblematic UL CA combinations.

In some embodiments, the UE only indicates a UL CA combination asproblematic if the UL CA combination is a combination of uplink carrierssupported by the UE, measurement objects are configured for allcorresponding downlink carriers, and the UE experiences or expects toexperience IDC problems due to the UL CA combination. In someembodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is a UL CA combinationfor which the UE experiences IDC problems.

In some embodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is identified bya set of measurement object identities for all of the correspondingdownlink carriers for the UL CA combination.

In some embodiments, the IDC indication comprises, for each problematicUL CA combination, a set of measurement object identities for all of thecorresponding downlink carriers for the problematic UL CA combination.

In some embodiments, a UE for communication with an eNB comprises aproblematic combinations module operable to send an IDC indication tothe eNB including information of problematic UL CA combinations.

In some embodiments, the UE only indicates a UL CA combination asproblematic if the UL CA combination is a combination of uplink carrierssupported by the UE, measurement objects are configured for allcorresponding downlink carriers, and the UE experiences or expects toexperience IDC problems due to the UL CA combination. In someembodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is a UL CA combinationfor which the UE experiences IDC problems.

In some embodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is identified bya set of measurement object identities for all of the correspondingdownlink carriers for the UL CA combination.

In some embodiments, the IDC indication comprises, for each problematicUL CA combination, a set of measurement object identities for all of thecorresponding downlink carriers for the problematic UL CA combination.

In some embodiments, an eNB for communication with a UE comprises areceive module operable to receive an IDC indication from the UEincluding information of problematic UL CA combinations. In someembodiments, the eNB further comprises a deduce module operable todeduce frequencies to avoid for UL CA from the received information ofproblematic UL CA combinations.

In some embodiments, the UE only indicates a UL CA combination asproblematic if the UL CA combination is a combination of uplink carrierssupported by the UE, measurement objects are configured for allcorresponding downlink carriers, and the UE experiences or expects toexperience IDC problems due to the UL CA combination. In someembodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is a UL CA combinationfor which the UE experiences IDC problems.

In some embodiments, the problematic UL CA combination is identified bya set of measurement object identities for all of the correspondingdownlink carriers for the UL CA combination.

In some embodiments, the IDC indication comprises, for each problematicUL CA combination, a set of measurement object identities for all of thecorresponding downlink carriers for the problematic UL CA combination.

The problematic combinations module, the receive module and the deducemodule recited above, may in some embodiments be implemented as computerprograms running on one or more processor similar to what is discussedin connection with FIGS. 11 and 13.

Some further embodiments include a user equipment, comprising:

-   -   one or more transceivers;    -   at least one processor; and    -   memory storing instructions executable by the at least one        processor whereby the user equipment is operable to:    -   send at least one indicator of at least one problematic uplink        carrier aggregation frequency band combination to a network        node.

In some embodiments, the user equipment is further operable to:

-   -   send compatibility information to a network node, the        compatibility information indicating a plurality of uplink        carrier aggregation frequency band combinations supported by the        user equipment;    -   wherein sending the at least one indicator comprises sending a        bit map for the plurality of supported band combinations that        indicates, for each combination, whether the combination is        problematic.

According to some other embodiments, the user equipment is furtheroperable to:

-   -   send compatibility information to a network node, the        compatibility information indicating a plurality of uplink        carrier aggregation frequency band combinations supported by the        user equipment;    -   wherein sending the at least one indicator comprises sending a        list of indexes comprising problematic uplink carrier        aggregation frequency band combinations.

According to still other embodiments, the user equipment is furtheroperable to:

-   -   receive a configuration from a network node to measure on a        plurality of frequency bands;    -   wherein the at least one problematic uplink carrier aggregation        frequency band combination is at least one combination of the        plurality of frequency bands that the user equipment is        configured to measure on and that the user equipment has        determined is problematic.

The following acronyms are used throughout this disclosure.

-   -   2UL Two Uplink Component Carrier    -   3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project    -   5G Fifth Generation    -   ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit    -   CA Carrier Aggregation    -   CC Component Carrier    -   CIF Carrier Indicator Field    -   CPU Central Processing Unit    -   CSI Channel State Information    -   DL Downlink    -   DRX Discontinuous Reception    -   eNB Evolved Node B    -   EPDCCH Enhanced or Evolved Physical Downlink Control Channel    -   E-UTRA Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access    -   E-UTRAN Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network    -   FDM Frequency Division Multiplexing    -   FPGA Field Programmable Gate Array    -   GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System    -   ID Identity    -   IDC In-Device Coexistence    -   IE Information Element    -   IM Inter-Modulation    -   ISM Industrial, Scientific, and Medical    -   LTE Long Term Evolution    -   M2M Machine-to-Machine    -   MHz Megahertz    -   MIMO Multiple Input Multiple Output    -   MME Mobility Management Entity    -   MO Measurement Object    -   MTC Machine Type Communication    -   PCell Primary Cell    -   PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel    -   PDN Packet Data Network    -   PDSCH Physical Downlink Shared Channel    -   P-GW Packet Data Network Gateway    -   RAN Radio Access Network    -   RAN4 Radio Access Network Working Group 4    -   Rel Release    -   RRC Radio Resource Control    -   RRM Radio Resource Management    -   SCEF Service Capability Exposure Function    -   SCell Secondary Cell    -   S-GW Serving Gateway    -   TDM Time Division Multiplexing    -   TS Technical Specification    -   UE User Equipment    -   UL Uplink    -   WCDMA Wideband Code Division Multiple Access    -   WLAN Wireless Local Area Network

Those skilled in the art will recognize improvements and modificationsto the embodiments of the present disclosure. All such improvements andmodifications are considered within the scope of the concepts disclosedherein and the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method in a User Equipment (UE) incommunication with an Evolved Node B (eNB), the method comprising:sending an In-Device Coexistence (IDC) indication to the eNB, includinginformation of problematic uplink carrier aggregation combinations. 2.The method according to claim 1, wherein the UE only indicates an uplinkcarrier aggregation combination as problematic if the uplink carrieraggregation combination is a combination of uplink carriers supported bythe UE, measurement objects are configured for all correspondingdownlink carriers, and the UE experiences or expects to experience IDCproblems due to the uplink carrier aggregation combination.
 3. Themethod according to claim 2, wherein the problematic uplink carrieraggregation combination is an uplink carrier aggregation combination forwhich the UE experiences IDC problems.
 4. The method according to claim1, wherein a problematic uplink carrier aggregation combination isidentified by a set of measurement object identities for all of thecorresponding downlink carriers for the uplink carrier aggregationcombination.
 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the IDCindication comprises, for each problematic uplink carrier aggregationcombination, a set of measurement object identities for all of thecorresponding downlink carriers for the problematic uplink carrieraggregation combination.
 6. A User Equipment (UE) for communication withan Evolved Node B (eNB), the UE comprising: at least one transceiver; atleast one processor; and memory storing instructions executable by theat least one processor, whereby the UE is operable to: send, via the atleast one transceiver, an In-Device Coexistence (IDC) indication to theeNB, including information of problematic uplink carrier aggregationcombinations.
 7. The UE according to claim 6, wherein the UE onlyindicates an uplink carrier aggregation combination as problematic ifthe uplink carrier aggregation combination is a combination of uplinkcarriers supported by the UE, measurement objects are configured for allcorresponding downlink carriers, and the UE experiences or expects toexperience IDC problems due to the uplink carrier aggregationcombination.
 8. The UE according to claim 7, wherein the problematicuplink carrier aggregation combination is an uplink carrier aggregationcombination for which the UE experiences IDC problems.
 9. The UEaccording to claim 6, wherein a problematic uplink carrier aggregationcombination is identified by a set of measurement object identities forall of the corresponding downlink carriers for the uplink carrieraggregation combination.
 10. The UE according to claim 6, wherein theIDC indication comprises, for each problematic uplink carrieraggregation combination, a set of measurement object identities for allof the corresponding downlink carriers for the problematic uplinkcarrier aggregation combination.
 11. An Evolved Node B (eNB) forcommunication with a User Equipment (UE), the eNB comprising: at leastone communication interface; at least one processor; and memory storinginstructions executable by the at least one processor, whereby the eNBis operable to receive, via the at least one communication interface, anIn-Device Coexistence (IDC) indication from the UE, includinginformation of problematic uplink carrier aggregation combinations. 12.The eNB according to claim 11, wherein the at least one processor isconfigured to deduce frequencies to avoid for uplink carrier aggregationfrom the received information of problematic uplink carrier aggregationcombinations.
 13. The eNB according to claim 11, wherein an uplinkcarrier aggregation combination is indicated as being problematic onlyif the uplink carrier aggregation combination is a combination of uplinkcarriers supported by the UE, measurement objects are configured for allcorresponding downlink carriers, and the UE experiences or expects toexperience IDC problems due to the uplink carrier aggregationcombination.
 14. The eNB according to claim 13, wherein the problematicuplink carrier aggregation combination is an uplink carrier aggregationcombination for which the UE experiences IDC problems.
 15. The eNBaccording to claim 11, wherein a problematic uplink carrier aggregationcombination is identified by a set of measurement object identities forall of the corresponding downlink carriers for the uplink carrieraggregation combination.
 16. The eNB according to claim 11, wherein theIDC indication comprises, for each problematic uplink carrieraggregation combination, a set of measurement object identities for allof the corresponding downlink carriers for the problematic uplinkcarrier aggregation combination.